Varanasi budget rumors grow, team maintains silence

Speculation surrounding the budget of Rajamouli’s ambitious film “Varanasi” has intensified in recent weeks. The globe-trotting adventure, starring Mahesh Babu in the lead role, is currently under production and is slated for release in April 2027.

According to industry buzz, the film’s mounting production costs have become a topic of discussion, particularly in the backdrop of changing market dynamics. While Rajamouli has mounted the project on a grand scale, reports suggest that the valuation of digital streaming rights has undergone a significant correction across the Indian film industry.

The rumors claim that the expectations for OTT revenues when the project was launched are considerably different from the offers being made today. This perceived gap between projected and actual non-theatrical revenues has reportedly fueled speculation that the makers may be facing financial pressure.

However, neither Rajamouli nor the production team has responded to these reports. The makers have chosen to remain silent, neither confirming nor denying the rumors. Meanwhile, shooting is progressing as planned in Hyderabad.

“Varanasi” is one of the most anticipated Indian films in production. The film stars Priyanka Chopra as the female lead, while Prithviraj Sukumaran reportedly plays Kumba, a wheelchair-bound antagonist. Given Rajamouli’s track record of delivering blockbuster spectacles, expectations for the project remain extraordinarily high despite the ongoing speculation.